Soon the Birds Continental Song City***

Suzie Ungerleider is the Canadian singer-songwriter who flies under the Oh Susanna flag of convenience. Not the most prolific of performers (this is just her fifth album in 14 years), Ungerleider, nonetheless, is striking in her clarity of purpose. "My songs often are about a crossroads in someone's life, about someone facing a choice . . . We don't always understand our own desires and motivations and I like songs that ask questions rather than give answers." There is certainly tension in these thoughtful Americana tunes: the outlaw in By Rope, the single parent in See What Promises Can Bring, the unhappy partner in Lucky Ones. Ungerleider is a strong storyteller, and her songs have a gritty, colourful edge to them – they just need a little time to reveal their strengths. See ohsusannamusic.com

Download tracks: By Rope, So Long, Lucky Ones